Keep Louisiana Music Alive!

Tipitina's Foundation. If you don't know about it, look it up. It's an amazing little nonprofit here in New Orleans that is helping keep Louisiana music alive. I got some of the kids together from the Tipitina's Internship Program (headed by the amazing Donald Harrison) and made a little commercial that is debuting to the world today. These kids are amazing, and I hope this video brings a little bit of their spirit into your living room. Shout out to Ben James for helping film the kids and Britt King for helping edit my vision. Let's all help keep Louisiana music alive. Go to Tipitina's Foundation to make a donation or learn how you can help.

One artist leads to another...

A year or so ago, I showed up to a James Morrison concert at the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville, TN, and I fell in love with the opening act: Diane Birch. When she came back a few months later on a solo run, I was in the audience, singing every lyric. And when I had the opportunity to interview her and put together a photo/video shoot in Roanoke, Va (of all places), I was actually nervous! But fate was on my side. I found an amazing photographer - Brett Winter Lemon - who found an amazing location - an abandoned old hotel - and the day was, to quote Diane, nothing but a miracle.

Great Aunt's Hat!

The other day I pulled out some of my great aunt's old hats and took advantage of the great light coming in through my window. Voila! Instant glamorous, vintage self portrait time!

Mike Stern Live

A few months ago, I posted some photos of the interviews I've had the pleasure of giving in 2010, and now, the videos are starting to roll off the assembly line. First up: legendary jazz guitarist Mike Stern! I knew from the moment we walked into his NYC apartment that this was going to be a fun experience - from the bed covered in guitars to the crazy cat named Obama and all his friends, it was one to remember!

I fell in love...

...with a little neighborhood restaurant I stumbled into last night called Il Posto.

To make things even better, apparently they do free appetizers on Wednesday nights. Delicious roasted tomato and cream cheese on toasted ciabatta. Cute little brussels sprouts and creamy white bean and roasted garlic hummus. And half price Abita beer. All I can say is that I'm going back for the homemade oreos one day soon. Il Posto - 4607 Dryades Street New Orleans, LA (2 blocks from Napoleon)

Interviewing Coast to Coast

New York, NY (Mike Stern)

Roanoke, VA (Diane Birch)

Seattle, WA (Scott Healy)

New Orleans, LA (Andy McKee)

Who's Afraid of Tigers?

A few days ago, I had the chance to revisit Gulf Shores, Alabama, an area I used to call home and a place I grew up visiting. I hadn't been back since Hurricane Ivan forced me to evacuate the premises in 2004. I was called there for work to interview and photograph Questlove of The Roots, but I managed to squeeze in a visit to an old friend's place: the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. (Some people know it as "The little zoo that could.") And I experienced something some people dream about - the chance to play with three 6-week old golden tabby Bengal tigers. I love that zoo, and I love the people affiliated with that zoo. If you love animals and kind-hearted people, you'll love it, too. I highly recommend a visit if you are ever in the area.

 Golden Tabby Bengal Tiger

 Serval Wild African Cat

 

Raja, white Bengal tiger, 2010

 


Raja, 2004

Ever been to Traverse City?

I saw my first black squirrel, my first great lake, and met the amazing Bob James, all while in Traverse City, Michigan! Interesting fact: this jazz pianist is one of the most sampled musicians by hip hop artists. Yep, Run DMC, Grandmaster Flash, The Roots - they all love Bob, too!

THE Michael Anthony

Known for his high pitched harmonies with Van Halen and now his "breakthrough" supergroup Chickenfoot, Michael's energy knows no boundaries, which is what made this shoot so much fun. We talked cars, camping, hot sauce...oh yeah, and music!

My gal Alli

A few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Allison Miller. She is such a doll and such a talented drummer! I caught up with her in San Francisco during her tour with Brandi Carlile - check out the behind-the-scenes video below filmed at The Fillmore...



Lots of love Alli! XOXO

Venice with Adam Topol

I'm sort of missing LA today, so this video took me back to Venice, where I had the chance to spend some time with Adam, Jack Johnson's drummer. This was one of the first photo/video shoots I helped produce, so it's funny to watch now that we have 20+ of these under our belts. Warm wishes Adam!!

Interviewing Walter Millsap III

By far one of the nicest, most inspirational people I've met. I felt lucky after interviewing Walter. He left me with this reminder: "It's not where you live, it's how you live." I hope to remember those words and pass them on.

Interviewing Isaac of The Fray

For about 3 months, I traveled around setting up photo/video shoots and interviewing artists, and now I have videos to prove it! First up, here is my interview with Isaac Slade of The Fray - a wonderful, kind-hearted guy with a bit of a wild side. (Putting the piano on a forklift for a photo was all his idea!)

Visit www.YamahaAllAccess360.com to see more photos and enter to win the Yamaha keyboard he signs in this video!!